Unimot carried out its first delivery of isobutane imported directly from the United States for a long-term client, using its own logistics infrastructure – a terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, leased in 2024, and rail transport provided by its subsidiary Olavion. This transaction marks an important step in diversifying supply sources and confirms the Unimot Group’s ability to efficiently manage complex, international supply chains, even in a demanding market environment.
The supply chain also involved the chemical company Solvachem and the end customer Elkom-Gaz.
The order, carried out for a client of Unimot, is related to new sanctions regulations which, as of January 26, 2026, also cover isobutane – a component widely used, among others, in the chemical industry. These regulations are intended to close the existing sanctions loophole against Russia. In practice, this requires companies using this product to change their previous supply directions, thereby increasing the importance of alternative sources of supply. In this context, the United States is a natural trading partner for the Unimot Group.
Unimot Paliwa was responsible for executing the delivery process to the client – from maritime import, through customs clearance and transshipment at the Wilhelmshaven terminal, to loading the product into rail tank cars. In addition, Olavion, a company belonging to the Unimot Group, carried out the rail transport to the end customer, enabling the full use of the Group’s logistics chain potential and synergies.
Until now, isobutane and n-butane under CN code 2901100 had remained outside the sanctions package, which allowed interested entities to import these hydrocarbons from Russia. While isobutane is used exclusively in chemical processes, n-butane, due to its low price, was often blended with propane and used as fuel in households (gas cylinders) and as autogas. Such practices weakened the effectiveness of EU sanctions and destabilized the market.
“I am pleased that this loophole has been closed – it is an important step toward greater predictability and security of supply chains,” says Grażyna Pawlak, Vice President of the Management Board for Trading at Unimot Paliwa. “At the same time, our first delivery from the United States shows that it is becoming a strategic sourcing direction for us for this product. Thanks to earlier preparations, including leasing the terminal in Wilhelmshaven, we are able to respond flexibly and deliver comprehensive supplies to our customers, even in a demanding market environment,” she adds.
The terminal in Wilhelmshaven was leased by Unimot in May 2024, which allowed the company to prepare in advance for the embargo on Russian LPG supplies. Access to the terminal provides Unimot with a significant logistical advantage – enabling efficient transshipment and storage of LPG, as well as its direct rail transport to Poland. In addition, the port adjacent to the terminal can accommodate gas carriers with twice the capacity of those handled by Polish ports, further increasing the Group’s flexibility and logistics capabilities.
